"Stop fidgeting."
"I'm not fidgeting...I'm..." Alistair twisted where he stood, annoyed to no end by the blue doublet he wore. It was too tight around the shoulders, the collar chafed and for some reason Alistair had the impression that it hugged his chest too much...something the glances some of the servants shot him didn't help with. "I...swear...this thing's made for someone smaller." The equally blue trousers of silk didn't help either, though not tight they breathed too much...it felt as if he wasn't wearing them...not something he liked to think about. He suddenly envied Eamon's wider burgundy tunic and trousers, they didn't look uncomfortable in new and worrisome ways...
The journey to Denerim had been painfully event-less. It had been strange travelling with such a large party, the many soldiers of Eamon's had also slowed the pace down...which had frustrated Sten to no end judging by the qunari's snorts every time a halt was called. Alistair for one had been a bit annoyed by the sudden safety they were enjoying all of a sudden, it hadn't been a safety due to their efforts, just by their many guards...after such a long time of having to fight every step on the way it actually felt a bit as if they were cheating their way to Denerim.
That annoyance had been nothing compared to the worry assailing him though, the clawing feeling at the pit of his gut as he realised what he had gotten himself into. Alistair the king...it had terrified him to not end. The fact that Lynn had only seen fit to be there for comfort at night and in the privacy of Alistair's tent...the woman always sneaking in as a thief in the night...while remaining somewhat away during the days...had only served to elevate his worries. She's afraid...and I can't do anything about it.
I'm afraid too. But we can't just...no...don't think about it, as she said, we'll find a way, we will.
"It's not made for someone smaller." Eamon corrected with a sigh and stepped up in front of Alistair, wrinkled hands still filled with the strength of a warrior coming to Alistair's collar. Keeping his eyes on his work the old man smiled though as he corrected the far too fancy piece of clothing. "...just someone with normal proportion...what have you been doing with yourself since you left? Just eaten and exercised all day?"
The main hall of Eamon's estate at Denerim was too large in Alistair's mind, too gaudy, a far cry from the more practical spaces in Redcliffe castle. It also allowed for many to walk around in there...and Alistair found himself a bit unnerved by being in the centre of it all as silent guards and scurrying servants watched them. Maker...I will have to get used to that if we succeed won't I?
"What can I say?" Alistair shrugged and managed an awkward smile as he ignored the way the doublet dug into his shoulders at the simple movement. "Killing darkspawn does the body good."
A soft chuckle escaped Eamon as he looked up at Alistair and petted his cheek, the man's smile widening a little. "That's the spirit, I'm sure I'll love to hear you regale me with the tales of your heroics up to this point at dinner...those you haven't told me already." A smirk and another pat on the cheek. "Though please, no details, it's not fitting for a king to speak certain things at a dinner table."
Rolling his eyes Alistair groaned. "Yes, yes, I know...I'll keep the details down." Then he found himself watching Eamon a bit more carefully. Does he know? It seems so obvious to others...and Eamon knows me. So far the old man had made no comment about Lynn though, save those about her as a warden. Maybe it's not as obvious as some say?
Alistair had wanted to tell Eamon of him and Lynn...but something had kept him from telling the man. Perhaps it was the fact that Lynn had skirted the subject when talking about Eamon while in Alistair's tent...perhaps it was the worry that the old man wouldn't approve...whatever it was Alistair had kept quiet. It felt wrong to not tell the old man everything...but what could he do? It just...I don't want to think about it.
Nothing in Eamon's expression revealed any disapproval or even knowledge though. There was only pride and confidence, pride and confidence in Alistair...it was a surprisingly heavy burden. "Good, then we can have a proper meal, this is my estate after all...can't have the luxuries go to waste, it'll be good practice for you, let you freshen up your skills."
"I hated those classes..." Alistair moaned even as a smile tugged at his lips, remembering that dreadful hour each evening that seemed to dredge on forever under the close scrutiny of a man Alistair couldn't deny.
Eamon chuckled. "Yes but they're important for a nobleman since-"
"-a certain behaviour is expected of him, I know." Alistair moaned once more, unable to contain his grin. "Can't we just go and eat? I'm starving." He saw Eamon's movement, the way the man was about to correct him, and quickly raised a hand. "Sorry, a noble is never hungry, he's above such petty needs. Though I'd still like to...savour the no doubt...exquisite dishes your staff have prepared."
Laughing Eamon finally let go of Alistair's collar, having fixed some miniscule detail that in no way eased the chaffing. "Very good boy, though it could do without the sarcasm."
"Yes well-" A presence, a small shuffling sound. Turning Alistair saw...
Wow.
He'd thought he'd seen Lynn in a dress already, that armour suited her better...he wasn't sure that was true any longer. Red does suits her...the thought flickered through his mind, barely registering as such to him as he stared. The dress was dark red...two thick straps going over otherwise bare shoulders, the rest of it going down so far it even covered her feet...and except for halfway up her thighs and lower it was very nearly moulded to her supple body. Holy...
Blinking Alistair forced himself to raise his gaze, finding her barely revealed collar bones and thin neck...and then registering that her hair was up. Two silver pins were stuck in the coiling mass of black hair, still making it look a bit tousled somehow...and revealing two pointed and slightly pink ears to the world. Maker...
Wow...
"You look good." The woman nodded at him carefully, as she always did when in the company of Eamon, looking a bit unsure. Then she cocked her head to the side, a slender eyebrow raised. "What?" Her eyes darted down at herself. "Oh...well...yes...Leliana caught a hold of me..." Lynn chuckled and shook her head. "You have no idea what a pain that was..."
Yeah..
"You look stunning warden, you really do." Eamon complimented her, a heavy hand dropping on Alistair's shoulder, making him jump in fright. Was I staring? I think I was...yes I was staring...I shouldn't...He looked at Lynn again, forgetting his worry. Wow...
"Good, because I feel like an idiot." Lynn replied with a scoff, a hand coming up to brush against her pulled back hair with a frown of irritation...that she quickly shot Alistair's way. Maybe I should...wow...the frown eased away, just like that. "Not that...it's not nice..." Then she shook her head, looking a bit irritated with herself before shooting Eamon a glance. "Anyway, could we get this dinner under way? We have plans to make...right Alistair?"
"Uh..." Alistair slammed his mouth shut, realising it had been hanging open. Maker... "...right, lets do that, sounds good."
"Yes..." Eamon nodded, voice low. He doesn't suspect...does he? "...it will-"
A stomp of feet from the guards and the words Alistair couldn't have imagined rang out: "Loghain Mac Tir! Regent of Ferelden!"
No way...
Looking at the front door Alistair indeed found Loghain brazenly walking in through the front doors, hawkish features already scowling in contempts at the many guards lining the walls of the main hall. You son of a...Alistair found his advance stopped by a pair of thin hands against his chest, holding him back. Looking down he found Lynn next to him, eyes pleading. But... A small shake of her head. He's right there... Another shake. I...dammit, you're right.
It hurt to take a step back, to back away from the challenge, to let the foul man simply march into the estate...but Alistair did it, hands closed into fists as he forced himself to stay rooted to the spot. Instead he merely glowered at the foul man, wanting nothing but to rip the treacherous monster apart, to avenge Duncan.
No, think, you don't even have a weapon, and even if you succeed...there'll be chaos. Alistair bit his tongue, shaking with an anger that he wanted nothing but to let out. No...later...I promise you.
Loghain was still dressed in the glittering armour he'd worn back at Ostagar, the armour of the river Dane...a mark of pride and heroism...now befouled. The man was a little paler then before, a little more haggard. Guilt? The grey eyes held none of it...only harshness, decisiveness...not the slightest bit of guilt. I hate you. With a slamming of steel against stone the man came to a quick stop in front of them, his mouth drawing into a sneer of disgust at the sight of the three before him. I hate you so much...
To the man's left an elderly grey-haired man in leather armour walked, reminding Alistair of a vulture for some reason. To the man's right a woman stood, she too in heavy armour, eyes sad but hard, hands visibly twitching, ready to defend her liege against any of the many guards now surrounding the regent. Loghain didn't seem to care though, the man confident none would dare to harm him. Alistair glared at the sneering man, daring the old man to meet his gaze. I hate you. "Eamon, how good it is to see you up and about again...and drawing every noble away from his castle as well. Far be it for them to defend their lands from the darkspawn instead." Loghain's voice was like a rusty dagger, digging into Alistair's nerves, making him take a step forward...and instantly be halted by Lynn's hand, the woman not even looking at him.
"Exactly why I've called the landsmeet Loghain." Eamon replied, voice calm. How can you be calm when the man who nearly killed you stands before you!? Alistair saw Lynn's glance, the worried shuffle of her feet...and took a calming breath. Okay...calm...I'm calm..."We need to stand united before this blight."
"Blight, hah!" Loghain scoffed. I'm calm...very calm... "I see age has not been kind to you, there is reality to attend to, like the Orlesians Cailan nearly invited to take over our country, like the fact that half the country is in rebellion because of those warden friends of yours." The sneering regent nodded towards the two wardens behind and at Eamon's right side.
"And who is this?" Lynn interjected, her voice that frightfully neutral tone Alistair knew meant she had locked away her emotions somewhere. The woman gestured for the man on Loghain's left. "Another body guard?"
"Do not speak so casually of your betters." The man in leather armour replied, his grey hair matted, his long nose sticking out towards the woman like a spear, eyes narrowed in irritation. "I'm Rendon Howe, Teyrn of Highever, arl of Denerim and arl of Amaranthine...and you'd best remember that."
"That's a lot of titles for one man." Eamon noted, frowning, like many Ferelden nobles he had never liked men acquiring too much power.
"The regent is generous to the ones serving him." Howe shrugged, a small smile on his lips as he turned to ignore the frowning Lynn.
"The arl of Denerim...." Lynn muttered, making Howe sigh in irritation. "...you've been killing my people." A small chuckle escaped the man, an arched eyebrow aimed the elf's way as Howe dared the woman to comment. Oh no, she...Alistair watched the woman's shoulders, the feigned relaxation in them...won't do a thing. She's so strong... Feeling his heart swell with admiration Alistair took a deep breath, forced himself to push his anger back, to save it for later. It was surprisingly easy... "I'll remember your name, your titles and your face...your grace." Somehow she managed to make the proper address sound like an insult, a casual and uncaring one at that.
"Good..." Howe nodded with a sneer, but his eyes were wary as he eyed the woman with a guarded look. "...you do that...?"
"I am just curious what you hope to accomplish here Eamon." Loghain cut in, shooting both Lynn and Howe an irritated scowl before looking back at Eamon, Loghain's arms crossed in front of him as he glared down at the older man. "The nobles will eventually be brought back into line by me and my supporters, this token gesture of yours will do nothing but harm what little reputation you have left. Your absence at Ostagar was most unimpressive."
You did not just...Alistair gritted his teeth and took a shuddering breath as he felt Lynn inch closer, telling him to stay put. I will, I will...but Maker...that man will die for his crimes.... "As was your showing there." Eamon replied, his experience of politics hiding his anger, shaming Alistair. I'm surrounded by people better in control of their temper...and I'm the one to be made king!? This is madness...
"I did what I had to do! To save my men from Cailan's madness!" Loghain snapped, conviction in his eyes. I was there...he...he might be right. Alistair shook his head. No! It doesn't matter! Even if he is right the way he has done things has pulled us into civil-war and the threat of annihilation! "And if you think you can convince nobles that weren't even there of the opposite I can only assume that madness has finally taken you!" The regent shook his head, sneering in irritation as the words tumbled out of him: "This is no time to stand divided! This is a time to fight the darkspawn! To come together and forge a Ferelden so strong that no power or nation can ever threaten it again!" He shot a finger at Eamon, the digit trembling with rage, the regent's eyes afire. "That was Maric's dream! That is what we should be fighting for! Not the vanity of some now dead fool and the idea of some sacred bloodline!"
How can I hate him and agree with him at the same time? Eamon shook his head. "We will stand united Loghain, but not under you." A small smile suddenly played on the old man's lips as he took a step sideways, gesturing for Alistair. Oh no...Alistair felt all colour drain from his face. "Behold, the last of the Theirins."
There was a small gasp from the woman at Loghain's side, Howe taking a step back with a strange hiss, a mix of fear and anger...and Loghain narrowing his eyes at Alistair. "Ah, you again..." The hiss was barely audible. "...you have eluded me so many times...it's a miracle that you're alive."
"I..." Alistair forced an awkward smile, having already pushed down his rage he suddenly didn't know what to say. "...did my best." Loghain's scoff managed to draw a trickle of it out of him. Steady now...remember that you can't let it all out... "Want to meet one of your assassins?" Alistair grinned at the arched eyebrow. "I'm sure he'd love to meet you again."
"Did you just threaten the regent?" The woman muttered the question, eyes still wide as she stared at him.
Loghain's raised hand stopped any retort though, the man's chest heaving as he took a calming breath. "Ah...I see." The hard eyes left Alistair and bored into Eamon instead. "This is your plan then? To try and put this child on the throne?"Ignoring Lynn's worried glance Alistair glared at the regent, his breathing steady. Yes, insult me now...for I will kill you. "Considering who he is I suppose you think yourself to be the one to take the throne, I thought you better then that." Loghain shook his head, sighing, almost looking...sad. "But I guess you are like all the rest, noble only in name."
"He is Theirin, you are not." Eamon replied, stoical.
"Blood is nothing." Loghain snorted, shoulders tensing. "Maric knew this...but I guess such lessons are nothing to your kind."
"Tell that to the men at Ostagar." Alistair blinked, realising he had been the one speaking, all eyes suddenly fixed on him. How did I...unable to stop himself he continued, forcing himself to glower at Loghain even as he spoke against the only thing he agreed on with the monster. "Tell them that their blood was nothing, that they bled and died for nothing." He took a deep breath, calming himself as best he could as the anger within him started to churn. "Cailan fought for Ferelden! Was willing to bleed and die for her, you let others die for your cause! You let part of Ferelden wither and die... You are no regent, those who let others bleed for them...are not even Fereldian."
Loghain blinked, then scowled, then snorted...then finally shook his head and looked away. "Foolish, naïve youth..." He glared at Eamon. "...this is who you want on the throne!?"
"More then anything." Eamon nodded, smiling for some strange reason.
"Bah!" Loghain shook his head and whirled about. "I tried to reason with you! Save you some dignity! But I guess I'll just have to crush you and your bastard at the landsmeet!" With a crashing of boots against stone Loghain marched away, quickly followed by his followers.
"Well..." Eamon winced as the front doors crashed shut after Loghain's swift exit. "..I hadn't anticipated that...he's further gone than I thought...well done Alistair."
"Umm...right...don't know what I did...but you're welcome." Alistair shrugged, noting the odd look on Lynn's face. "What?"
"Just...." The woman looked away, shaking her head, ears going pink. "...you're something..."
"Okay..." Alistair shook his head, not understanding what the strange look in Eamon's and Lynn's eyes meant. Thankfully he found a distraction and pointed at the swiftly approaching elven woman coming at them, the eyes of the elf afire with purpose. "Umm...who's that?"
*
*
*
Armour, check.
Shield, check.
Sword, check.
Nervous about going to rescue Anora in what may well be a trap, check. Alistair marched through the corridor, adjusting his gauntlet with a frown. If this is a trap...I'm going to get so angry with Lynn. Necessary...bah. Okay, I get that it actually might be necessary to get Anora's help...but must we take the risk?
Coming around a corner and going into the dining hall now serving as an improvised armoury Alistair checked his sword as he spoke: "Hey Lynn, do you think we could...uh..." He eyed the others in the room, a sudden stab in his chest sending worry shooting through him. Lynn was already in full armour, ready, as was Zevran, Leliana and Morrigan....and Alistair had the distinct feeling they had been about to march out...without him. "What's going on?"
The group before him exchanged worried glances, then let Lynn speak as she took a step closer to him. Her gaze level. "You're not going."
"I...what!?" Alistair spluttered, shocked.
"Listen." Lynn moved forward, armoured finger landing on his lips, eyes serious. No...please don't. "They know who you are." They know who you are too."You are important." So are you. "Without you we can't defeat Loghain." Don't say that...I... "I may be risked, not you." No! Alistair took a step forward, making Lynn put her other hand on his chest as the other pressed tighter at his lips, enforcing silence. "They don't pay much attention to an elf...it's less likely they'll spot me for who I am...you know this." No... He watched the woman smile a little at his reaction. "We need you here, stay. " No...don't speak of logic. The smile turned sad. "It makes sense." Damn you... "You know this."
"I...last time you..." Alistair's hands hung limply by his side. He knew he could argue more, make his case...but he also knew it would be for naught...Lynn was still the leader, she made the calls...and she was always right. "...stay...safe..." He felt his shoulders slump and looked away, feeling the beginning of tears in his eyes. Damn my blood...without it I could...Maker I could do so many things...
A chuckle, vainly trying to sound reassuring. "You know me, I can take care of myself."
Looking up Alistair forced a smile. "Yes...well...don't seek out trouble just because of that..." He shook his head, swallowing down the sudden lump in his throat. "...I like you alive."
A hand on his cheek, Lynn leaning forward on her toes, a little kiss on numb lips...and she was smiling, eyes soft. "I will be..." Alistair felt the urge to reach down and kiss her again, to just scoop her up and take her somewhere safe...and realised she felt the same way. But it wasn't to be. "...now...I have to go." Looking away the woman gestured for the others. "Lets go guys, and try to be discreet."
"Why is she always looking at me when she says that?" Morrigan mumbled as the small group filed past Alistair...who grabbed Zevran as the assassin came in last of the line.
"H-hey." Zevran blinked, surprised that he was suddenly lifted from the hair. "What is this!?"
"Keep her safe." Alistair growled, suddenly allowing himself to feel...and not liking it one bit. "Keep her alive."
"This is...I have already sworn an oath." Zevran protested, the elf hanging limply in Alistair's grip, instead settling for glaring down at the former templar. "You are being-oph!" The breath was knocked out of the elf's lungs as Alistair smashed him into the wall.
"You failed once." Alistair glared at the assassin, daring him to contradict him. "Don't fail again or I'll-"
"You'll what?" Zevran snorted, teeth bared in a sneer, no doubt knowing his ability to fade away would leave him able to escape any danger. "Save your threats! You have her already!"
"Listen to me!" Alistair pulled the elf back and then crashed him into the wall once more. "If you don't I'll do my utmost to become king, and I will become king! Then I will spend every sovereign in the country to find you so I can personally nail you to a wall! Is that clear!?" Alistair glared up at the assassin
The assassin went limp, the anger in his eyes fading. "I...see..." A small chuckle. "All of a sudden that seems...fair. Yes?" Alistair let the man down, feeling his anger slip away under the suddenly kind eyes looking back at him. "I will keep her safe, my lord, you have my word." The elf's smile was without any sarcasm or mischievousness, serious, almost sombre. "Love is something that should be closely guarded, yes? I'm honoured that you would ask this of me."
"Just..." Alistair looked away, suddenly weary beyond words. I wish I was you... "...keep her safe, okay?"
"Yes..." A hand on his shoulder, light and unsure. "...friend."
And the elf was gone.
**
Thanks to Abydos Jackson for enduring me.
